There is room for change in the Bermuda national cricket team and current members should not get overly complacent regarding their places, according to Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James.

The president was commenting following Tuesday's close loss by a BCBC Select against visiting Marylebone Cricket Club, where the local side showed great determination and grit .. . and a fair dose of skill, aspects largely absent from the regular squad's performances last Saturday and Sunday.

James, however, said it was a pleasant dilemma, one which emphasised the available pool of talent.

"I think Bermuda's fortunate in the sense that we're in a position that we have people now pushing for spots in the national squad, so nobody is safe,'' he said. "No position is safe in the national squad, and the more people that we get pushing, the better those at the top that are in the squad will have to be.

"So I think it's a plus because there are some people knocking on the door and the doors are open for anyone who aspires to be in the squad ... all they have to do is produce.'' Opening batsman Glenn Smith made a definite case for his inclusion with a delightful half century that roused the crowd, participating in an opening stand of 114 with Sheridan (Baldy) Ming, who also showed a good, straight bat.

Fast bowler Garry Williams likewise shone, seizing three wickets and generating good pace during his opening spell, when MCC were reduced to 68-for-six.

There have been recent outcries for Smith and allrounder Lionel Cann to be added to the squad to travel to Canada for next month's ICC Trophy tournament, and they only got louder following the seven-run defeat at Southampton Oval.

"We've talked to Glenn, we've talked to Lionel, and they've both committed themselves to be a part of the cricketing future here on the Island and are looking for a spot,'' said James. "This is something I'm excited about, because we need everybody, everyone playing and looking for a spot, and everyone will get better because of it.

"That's the whole idea.'' However, with the BCBC having already submitted a squad list to ICC for verification absent the names of Smith and Cann, it is unknown whether avenues exist for the duo to be included.

Meanwhile, the national team get the opportunity for redemption today and tomorrow as the tour draws to a close with both matches slated for Lord's.

And James remained confident that his men would come out of the tour better prepared for what they will come up against in Toronto, having faced quality opposition.

"I think what we will face over there will be much like what we're facing here now,'' said James.

"You have a couple of Test players here from Zimbabwe and West Indies, then you have two Under-19 World Cup players that are now looking for Test places in their countries and the rest are county or former county players.

"Most teams will have a couple of county players, so I think that what we're facing here are very good opposition and much of what we would face there, and I would say that MCC are probably better than many of the teams we will face, so I think our chances are good.'' Mr Popular: Lionel Cann is not in the ICC squad, many think he should be.